The Best Hotels in Oxford City Centre: My Favourite Places to Stay

Looking for the best hotels in Oxford city centre? Here’s where I’d stay for a first trip, classic Oxford luxury, a smaller boutique break, or simply to be close to the train station—from a frequent Oxford visitor!

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I’ve done Oxford from London enough times to know that a trip here is far better if you don’t let train time dictate your evening.

The Store Oxford

But not all Oxford hotels are created equal, especially when it comes to the city centre.

With that said, here’s my pick of the best Oxford hotels I’d personally recommend for your trip.

Shall we?

P.S. – Staying for two nights? Use my weekend in Oxford itinerary once you’ve picked your hotel.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Overview: The Best Hotels in Oxford City Centre

The Randolph Hotel Oxford

Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Oxford City Centre?

For a first trip, I’d always recommend staying in the city centre.

You can walk from breakfast to the Bodleian, Oxford Covered Market and most of the stops in my best things to do in Oxford guide easily, which for me, is worth far more than adding heaps of public transport onto a short stay.

High Street & Radcliffe Square: Best for a First Trip

If I wanted to wake up and immediately feel like I was in Oxford, I’d choose High Street. Old Bank Hotel sits directly opposite Radcliffe Square, with Quod downstairs and tons of colleges, libraries and Christ Church close by.

Beaumont Street & St Giles: Best for the Ashmolean + Classic Oxford

Here you’ll find The Randolph Hotel Oxford facing the Ashmolean Museum, while Old Parsonage Hotel sits further up St Giles.

This is where I’d lean for a weekend: the Ashmolean is right there, the cool Jericho neighbourhood is an easy walk away and it fits nicely with the slower second day in my Oxford weekend guide.

Broad Street: Best for a Modern Oxford Stay + the Historic Core

The Store Oxford adds a newer contrast to Oxford’s old-school hotels: a former department store on Broad Street with 101 rooms, a spa and a rooftop bar.

But the best bit is you’re still right by the academic centre, so it works particularly well if you want to take an Oxford walking tour or see Harry Potter filming locations in the same day with somewhere a bit more modern to come back to.

Oxford Castle & Westgate: Best for the Station, Shopping + Practicality

If you want a shorter suitcase walk from Oxford railway station, look west of the Carfax area. You’ll find Malmaison Oxford and Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre around the Castle Quarter, with Premier Inn Oxford City Centre (Westgate) nearby if your room is mainly just for a base.

Although you can still walk into the university centre easily, just bear in mind you’ll be closer to Oxford Castle & Prison and Westgate Oxford than Radcliffe Camera.

My Personal Hotel Recommendations for Your Oxford Trip

1. Old Bank Hotel: Best Overall Hotel in Oxford City Centre

Old Bank Hotel

Best for: a first Oxford trip, High Street, Radcliffe Square and staying right in the middle of the university city.

Old Bank Hotel is the Oxford hotel I’d start with if location is the priority.

It sits at 92–94 High Street, just opposite the Radcliffe Square side of the historic centre, with 43 rooms and some genuinely ridiculous Oxford views. The building has centuries of history behind it too—parts of the site date back to the medieval period, and the banking business that gave the hotel its name grew here from the late 18th century.

Downstairs you’ll find Quod Restaurant & Bar, so breakfast, dinner or one last drink doesn’t require another plan.

And if you’re driving, this is one of the rare central hotels that actually makes the car easier, with complimentary parking available behind the property too.

I’d book this if it’s your first Oxford stay and you want to wake up already in the part of the city you came to see.

2. The Randolph Hotel Oxford: Best for Classic Oxford Luxury

The Randolph Hotel Oxford

Best for: classic Oxford grandeur, the Ashmolean across the road, spa time and the Morse Bar downstairs.

The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton has been an Oxford landmark since 1866, with a convenient location directly opposite the Ashmolean Museum.

The hotel doesn’t exactly underplay its Oxfordness…with a Victorian Gothic building that’s been here since 1866, and 151 rooms with nods to the university throughout.

The Morse Bar is particularly cool here, named for Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter, who was a regular, while The Alice handles all-day dining and afternoon tea.

There’s also a wellness centre with saunas, steam, a hot tub and treatment rooms, which I would be very grateful for after doing the 127 steps up St Mary’s Tower.

I’d book this if you want the Ashmolean across the road, a drink in Morse Bar downstairs and a very grand Oxford weekend.

3. Old Parsonage Hotel: Best Boutique Hotel for Literary Oxford

Old Parsonage Hotel

Best for: couples, literary Oxford, a smaller five-star hotel and a stay between the historic centre and Jericho.

Old Parsonage Hotel feels much more like a country house that somehow ended up on St Giles than a standard city hotel.

The house dates to 1660, and you can still see the original heavy oak front door and stone fireplace. Today it comes fitted with 35 individually designed rooms and suites, a residents-only library and complimentary bicycles for getting around the city.

Downstairs, Parsonage Grill has the sort of room I’d happily disappear into for a long dinner (cue low lighting, oil paintings, dark walls and a walled terrace outside).

The location works especially well if you want a slower morning around the cafés from my Oxford café guide before walking back into the university centre.

I’d book this for a smaller Oxford weekend with books downstairs, Parsonage Grill for dinner and Jericho just up the road.

4. The Store Oxford: Best for a Modern Oxford Stay, Spa + Rooftop Views

The Store Oxford

Best for: contemporary design, spa treatments, Broad Street and finishing the day with a rooftop drink.

The Store Oxford is the one I’d look at if I wanted the historic Broad Street outside and something much more contemporary upstairs.

It took over the old Boswells department store on Broad Street, with 101 rooms now sitting behind a façade generations of Oxford shoppers knew long before it became a hotel.

Today you’ll find a proper spa downstairs with sauna, steam room, treatment rooms and gym, Treadwell Restaurant for dinner and a rooftop terrace overlooking Oxford’s skyline.

The address is also hard to argue with. Broad Street puts you right by bookshops, university buildings and the start of several stops from my Oxford things-to-do guide.

I’d book this if you want Broad Street downstairs, then a spa and rooftop drink waiting when you come back.

5. Malmaison Oxford: Best Hotel for An Unusual Stay in Oxford Castle

Malmaison Oxford

Best for: an unusual historic stay, Oxford Castle, couples and anyone who likes a hotel with history.

Malmaison Oxford sits inside the former HM Prison Oxford, within the wider castle complex, with the old prison structure in the corridors, ironwork and converted cells. In other words, not a stay for everyone!

The prison operated for around 150 years before closing in 1996. So yes…you can sleep in an old cell and count at least part of it as sightseeing.

There are 95 rooms and suites (including rooms built from former cells) plus Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar downstairs if you’re up for a dangerous tipple.

I’d book this if staying in a former Victorian prison sounds like your kind of sidequest.

Accessibility note: Wheelchair-accessible rooms are currently unavailable, and the bar and brasserie are stairs-only.

6. Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre: Best for Station Access + Castle Views

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre

Best for: Oxford station, work trips, modern rooms and travellers who want to stay in the castle side of the centre.

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre sits on Paradise Street beside the Castle Quarter, close enough to the station that arriving with luggage is much less annoying.

The hotel has 160 rooms with free Wi-Fi and Chromecast, including Castle View rooms that look directly onto the old castle complex, alongside a rooftop terrace. Not bad for a hotel you’d mostly choose for convenience.

For a work trip, they make it very easy—desks in the rooms, meeting space, fast Wi-Fi and a station close enough that you won’t be crossing half of Oxford before your first meeting.

I’d book this if you want an easy Oxford city centre stay close to the train station.

7. Vanbrugh House Hotel: Best Small Boutique Hotel in the Centre

Vanbrugh House Hotel

Best for: a smaller hotel, historic character, solo travellers.

Vanbrugh House Hotel has only 22 rooms on St Michael’s Street, between the station side of town and the old university centre, and to me, that’s a beautiful part of the appeal.

The building dates back to the 18th century, home to the Peisley family, Oxford stonemasons whose work included Blenheim Palace.

Inside, you’ll find original panelling, fireplaces and some wonderfully old details that’ll make you remember why boutique hotels truly are the best (but don’t worry, there are terrace rooms and suites too if you’d like more space).

Although there’s not a big restaurant or spa downstairs, a stay here will give you a nice excuse to use my Oxford restaurant guide.

I’d book this if you want to look forward to where you’ll be ending the night after exploring the city.

8. Premier Inn Oxford City Centre (Westgate): Best for a Simple Central Stay

Premier Inn Oxford City Centre (Westgate)

Best for: families, a straightforward central room and travellers who care more about location than a spa, historic building or cocktail bar.

Premier Inn Oxford City Centre (Westgate) is next to Westgate Oxford and close to the Castle Quarter with a fair warning that you’re not booking it for its grand Oxford history.

Instead, you’ll get air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, family rooms, breakfast and an on-site restaurant, and everything you need to have an easy base for your Oxford trip.

I’d book this if you’re not too fussed about your hotel for your Oxford trip, or realise after a day trip from Oxford you’d like to make it a weekend!

Hotels in Oxford City Centre With Parking

Malmaison Oxford

Before you think about driving, just a note: I would think twice before bringing a car into central Oxford at all. But if you must…

• Old Bank Hotel currently offers complimentary resident parking behind the hotel, with EV charging.
• Old Parsonage Hotel also offers complimentary resident parking, although spaces are limited.
• The Randolph Hotel Oxford has valet parking rather than self-parking.
• Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre uses off-site parking at Westgate Oxford rather than its own car park.
• Malmaison Oxford guests can park at Westgate Oxford Car Park or nearby Worcester Street and Oxpens car parks.

If you’re coming from London, I’d still take the train. Central Oxford is very walkable once you arrive, and it saves turning the first hour of the weekend into a parking mission.

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Oxford?

Honestly, one night can be enough for your trip.

You can stay for dinner, have an evening around The High or Jericho, then wake up without immediately calculating what time you need to be back at Oxford station.

Two nights is better if you want my full weekend in Oxford itinerary, more time for Oxford cafés and dinner somewhere from my restaurant guide. You’ll also have time to explore beyond the city with a day trip from Oxford.

If you only have one day, use my one-day Oxford itinerary instead.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Oxford City Centre

For a first Oxford stay, I’d start with Old Bank Hotel. The High is outside, Radcliffe Square is opposite and that is almost sinfully good for a first trip.

If I wanted grander, I’d go The Randolph Hotel Oxford opposite the Ashmolean. If I wanted smaller, books downstairs and Jericho up the road, I’d look at Old Parsonage Hotel.

For a spa and rooftop on Broad Street, I’d look at The Store Oxford. And if sleeping in a former prison sounds strangely appealing…Malmaison Oxford.

And if your suitcase is deciding, Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre and Premier Inn Oxford City Centre will keep you firmly on the station side of town.

Have the best stay in Oxford!

Happy travels,
Candace x

FAQ: Hotels in Oxford City Centre

The Randolph Hotel Oxford

What Are the Best Hotels in Oxford City Centre?

For a first trip, I’d compare Old Bank Hotel, The Randolph Hotel Oxford, Old Parsonage Hotel, The Store Oxford and Malmaison Oxford. Old Bank is my top pick for a first visit.

Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Oxford for a First-Time Visitor?

I’d stay around High Street, Radcliffe Square, Broad Street or the Ashmolean side of the centre. That’ll keep the main university sights, Oxford Covered Market, restaurants and cafés within an easy walk. Use my best things to do in Oxford guide for the best bits to get up to near your stay!

Which Hotels in Oxford City Centre Have Parking?

Old Bank Hotel and Old Parsonage Hotel have complimentary resident parking. The Randolph Hotel Oxford offers valet parking; the rest mainly use nearby public car parks.

What Are the Best Luxury Hotels in Oxford City Centre?

I’d start with Old Bank Hotel for High Street and Radcliffe Square, The Randolph Hotel Oxford for classic grandeur and spa time, Old Parsonage Hotel for a smaller literary stay and The Store Oxford for something newer with a rooftop and spa.

Are There Cheap Hotels in Oxford City Centre?

“Cheap” is relative in central Oxford, but Premier Inn Oxford City Centre (Westgate) is the first place I’d compare if you want a simpler room in the centre. If central prices are high, Newton House Oxford can be worth comparing, but it’s just outside the strict city-centre loop.

What Is the Best Hotel Near Oxford Train Station?

For a central hotel that still keeps the station side convenient, I’d look at Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre. Vanbrugh House Hotel is also around a ten-minute walk from Oxford station and will get you a bit deeper into the historic centre.

Which Oxford City Centre Hotel Is Best for Families?

I’d compare Premier Inn Oxford City Centre for the family-room practicality, Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre for modern rooms and The Randolph Hotel Oxford if you want a more special stay with connecting rooms and nice family facilities.

Is It Better to Stay in Oxford City Centre or Near the Station?

For sightseeing, I’d stay in the city centre. Oxford station is close enough that you don’t need to sleep beside it unless you have an early train, a lot of luggage or a short work trip. The Castle Quarter is a good middle ground since you stay central without being on the far side of the historic centre.

Is Oxford Worth Staying Overnight?

Yes, especially if you’ve only known Oxford as a London day trip. One night means dinner without a ‘what-time-is-the-train?’ countdown, an evening in the city and a proper morning before the day-trippers arrive. If you’re still deciding whether to stay at all, read my is Oxford worth visiting guide or my Oxford or Cambridge comparison.

Plan the Rest of Your Oxford Trip

Still planning? Here’s the rest of my Oxford guides for what to do, where to eat and stay, tours and what else to see nearby.

Oxford Itineraries & Things to Do

• The Best Things to Do in Oxford, England: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• What to Do in Oxford in a Day: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
• How to Spend a Weekend in Oxford: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Where to Eat & Stay

• The Best Restaurants in Oxford, UK: My Favourite Places to Recommend
• The Best Cafés in Oxford, UK: My Favourite Places for Coffee & Brunch
• The Best Hotels in Oxford City Centre: My Favourite Places to Stay

Oxford Tours

• The Best Oxford Walking Tours: University, History & More
• The Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford: Filming Locations, Colleges & More

More Oxford Trip Planning

• The Best Day Trips from Oxford: My Favourite Easy Escapes by Train & Car
• Oxford or Cambridge: Which Is Better to Visit? An Honest Comparison for Tourists
• Is Oxford Worth Visiting? My Honest Take for Your UK Trip